Classical preview

By David DentonAs time flies by we forget that sixty years ago Early Music performances, even on disc, were excruciatingly played, and, more often than not, on desperately bad period instruments.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Feb 2016, 07:35 BST
Richmond musicians, Jacob Herringman and Susanna PellRichmond musicians, Jacob Herringman and Susanna Pell
Richmond musicians, Jacob Herringman and Susanna Pell

Today it is classical music’s fastest growing sector, with outstanding musicians dedicated to promoting this long forgotten golden period.

Leeds University International Concert’s annual celebration of the great composers from the era opens next week, its highlight coming with two of the world’s great names – the vocal group, I Fagiolini, and the instruments of Fretwork. Their programme, on February 20, contains a major landmark in the first public performance of Martin Peerson’s songbook, Mottects or Grave Chamber Musique, which has lain undiscovered for over 300 years. Peerson was one of England’s most highly regarded musicians, holding the nation’s top ranking position as Master of Choristers at St Paul’s Cathedral.

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The viol of Susanna Pell and lute of Jacob Heringman have featured in over 150 recordings made together. They are joined by soprano, Faye Newton, in an afternoon of music which will include Rounds by Ravenscroft and lute songs by Campion (February 21).

Concenticus VII (February 24) and Leeds Baroque Orchestra and Choir (February 28) also feature in the seven concerts.

Early Music Festival, Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall, February 19 - 28. Tickets: 0113 3432584 or [email protected]

Related topics:England